Guidance

Immigration and asylum paper appeals for legal professionals

How and when to make immigration and asylum appeals on paper or using the immigration appeals online tool.

When to apply by paper

Apply using a paper form if your client is within the UK and any of the following apply:

  • they’re in detention
  • their application was made before 6 April 2015

You should also apply using a paper form if your client is outside the UK and their application was made before 6 April 2015.

Post or fax the form to the address on the form.

You can also use immigration appeals online to apply for paper applications.

For everything else, you need to appeal online using MyHMCTS. You’ll need to create an account first if you do not have one. Learn how to make an immigration and asylum appeal using MyHMCTS.

Appeal from within the UK

You have 14 days to appeal from the date the decision was sent.

If you apply after the deadline, you must explain why - the tribunal will decide if it can still hear the appeal.

If your client is inside the UK use form IAFT-5 to appeal a decision where your client has been detained in prison (not an Immigration detention centre) and their decision letter was sent by the Home Office.

If your client has been detained in an immigration detention centre and their decision letter was sent by the Home Office use form IAFT-DIA to appeal.

Applications made before 6 April 2015 inside the UK

You can only do this if your client’s application being refused means your client does not have permission (‘leave’) to enter or remain in the UK.

If your client is inside the UK use form IAFT-1 to appeal a decision where your client:

  • applied for leave to remain as a Tier 1, 2 or 5 migrant or family member before 2 March 2015 and their application was refused on or after 6 April 2015
  • applied for permission to remain as a Tier 4 migrant or family member before 20 October 2014 and their application was refused on or after 6 April 2015
  • application for leave to enter was refused
  • application to change (‘vary’) the length and conditions of their stay in the UK was refused
  • application for a certificate of entitlement to prove your client has a right of abode in the UK was refused

If your client’s application for entry clearance was refused use form IAFT-2.

Appeal from outside the UK

You have 28 days to appeal from the date the decision was sent. If your client has to leave the country before they’re allowed to appeal, you have 28 days to appeal once they’ve left the country.

If you apply after the deadline, you must explain why - the tribunal will decide if it can still hear the appeal.

Applications made before 6 April 2015 outside the UK

You can only do this if your client’s application being refused means your client does not have permission (‘leave’) to enter or remain in the UK.

If your client is outside the UK use form IAFT-3 to appeal a decision where your client:

  • applied for leave to remain as a Tier 1, 2 or 5 migrant or family member before 2 March 2015 and your application was refused on or after 6 April 2015
  • applied for permission to remain as a Tier 4 migrant or family member before 20 October 2014 and your application was refused on or after 6 April 2015
  • application for leave to enter was refused
  • application to change (‘vary’) the length and conditions of your stay in the UK was refused
  • application for a certificate of entitlement to prove your client has a right of abode in the UK was refused

If your client’s application for entry clearance was refused use form IAFT-2.

Urgent appeals 

You can ask for your appeal to be heard urgently (‘expedited’) at any point during the appeal process. 

It’s free to ask for an urgent appeal. The appeal application fee (if your client needs to pay one) must be paid before your request can be reviewed. 

How to ask for an urgent appeal 

You will need to: 

  • tell the tribunal the reason why the case should be heard urgently 

  • give evidence of compelling or compassionate grounds, for example letters from a doctor or hospital

You should write ‘expedite request’ at the top of any documents you send with your application. 

A judge will review your evidence and decide whether your application should be heard sooner than usual.

Send your reasons for the urgent appeal and evidence to the tribunal by post.  

Expedite Requests – The First-tier Tribunal 
Office of the Duty Judge 
First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) 
PO BOX 11205
Southfield Road
Loughborough
LE11 9PS

You can contact the tribunal to check if the application has been received.

Fees and payment

It costs:

  • £80 without a hearing
  • £140 with a hearing

Your client may also be eligible get help with court fees if any of the following apply:

  • they have little or no savings
  • they’re on certain benefits
  • they have a low income

Contact the tribunal if you’re not sure if they have to pay a fee.

First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)
Email: customer.service@justice.gov.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)300 123 1711

Find out about call charges

Fees for appeals on paper can only be paid:

  • online
  • by including payment card details with an appeal form

Where to send your application

You should send your appeal form to:

By post:
First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)
PO Box 11205
Southfield Road
Loughborough
LE11 9PS

Email: customer.service@justice.gov.uk

Legislation

Read the practice directions and practice statements for more guidance.

Review previous decisions of the Upper Tribunal.

Updates to this page

Published 31 March 2021
Last updated 22 August 2024 + show all updates
  1. Added guidance on urgent appeals. Also updated the First-tier Tribunal's (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) address.

  2. Removed all references to the EU settlement scheme

  3. First published.

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